(6-minute read)

April 2025

By M. Manzoor, Resource and Workshop Assistant & K. Karbasy, Family Care Office/ Faculty Relocation Services Education and Communications Coordinator, University of Toronto

As the population ages and modern medicine advances, the need for caregiving increases. According to the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, one in four Canadians undertake caregiving responsibilities for a family member or friend, and half will be a caregiver at some point in their lifetime. Someone you know—a parent, friend, sibling, or partner—is likely a caregiver. Additionally, women are 42% more likely than men to provide care. In 2022, over half of Canadian women aged 15 and above had caregiving responsibilities, with women more likely than men to care for both children and adults with long-term conditions or disabilities. For a deeper analysis of the growing gender gap in caregiving, visit Statistics Canada.

Caregiving Resources

To support caregivers, we have compiled a list of organizations and resources dedicated to easing the caregiving journey:

• The University of Toronto’s Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offers confidential, 24/7 support services to employees and their families, including counseling, caregiving resources, and wellness programs.
• Carers Canada is a national coalition dedicated to improving the quality of life for caregivers through strategic advocacy, partnerships, and raising awareness of caregiver roles and challenges.
• Ontario Health atHome (formerly Home and Community Care Support Services) provides access to home care, long-term care placement, and community services to support individuals in maintaining their health and independence at home.
• The Ontario Caregiver Organization provides caregivers with access to information, resources, and support to ensure success in their role. Their helpline offers 24/7 support at 1-833-416-2273.
• The Young Caregivers Association is dedicated to supporting young caregivers and their families by recognizing their needs, increasing awareness, and offering empowerment programs.

For a more extensive list of caregiving resources, visit the Family Care Office’s Resource Centre.

Upcoming Caregiving & Eldercare Workshops

In recognition of and support for the caregivers in our community, we are hosting a series of virtual workshops to provide resources, services, and opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills:

1. Register for Self-Care for Caregivers: A Need, Not a Luxury
   Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
   
   
2. Register for The Realities of Aging in Canada Today
   Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
   
   
3. Register for Elder Care: Exploring Senior Care Options
   Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
   
   
4. Register for Elder Care: Understanding the System
   Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025

Family Care Office Blog: Caregiving Insights

Explore our Intersections blog for insights on caregiving as a student, achieving work-life balance, and managing caregiver stress and burnout.

• Are you an undergraduate student with caregiving responsibilities? Learn strategies to balance school and caregiving: New Research on Undergraduate Caregivers.
• Struggling with work-life balance? Find practical tips for managing both: Finding Work-Life Balance as a Caregiver.
• Feeling overwhelmed by caregiving duties? Discover ways to prevent stress and burnout: Understanding Caregiver Stress and Burnout.

Caregiving is a vital yet often demanding responsibility. By leveraging available resources and prioritizing self-care, caregivers can navigate their roles more effectively and sustainably.